Vaccination Programme
Seanad Éireann — 2026-05-12
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Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (FF), Carlow-Kilkenny

I thank the Senator for raising this. We are all aware that vaccination is recognised as one of the most cost-effective and successful public health interventions that exists saving many lives each year. As discussed here today, shingles can impact anyone who has been infected with chickenpox during their life, leaving a significant proportion of the population vulnerable. Up to one in three people who have had chickenpox will go on to have shingles. This is why the Department requested that HIQA carry out a health technology assessment to review the evidence for adding shingles vaccination to the adult immunisation schedule in Ireland.
As I advised, the Minister for Health and Chief Medical Officer are committed to exploring whether it is possible to offer the shingles vaccine to a cohort of immunocompromised individuals in the first instance, in line with NIAC's advice. The Senator will be aware that the HSE has responsibility for implementation of the national immunisation programme in Ireland, which is based on the advice of NIAC. The committee's recommendations are based on the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland and international best practice in relation to immunisation. To protect the public from serious outcomes of disease, vaccines which are included in the national immunisation programme are administered free of charge to those who are eligible and at risk.
More generally, I urge all those eligible for any vaccine under the national immunisation programme at all stages of life to avail of the opportunity to be vaccinated. In addition, I encourage all parents to bring their infants into line with the primary childhood immunisation schedule through their GPs for their important childhood immunisations. These measures will help us protect public health by preventing the spread of disease in our community.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-05-12/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:55+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-05-12